No change to Hurling league format

The GAA have opted to retain the existing 12-team two-tier format for Division 1 of the National Hurling League following a meeting of Central Council.

Three separate proposals for change were on the table but the Association have opted to stick with this year’s format for 2014, meaning All-Ireland runners-up Cork will play in Division 1B with Munster kingpins Limerick, Antrim, Offaly, Laois and Wexford.

The only tweak to the previous structure will see quarter-finals introduced, with the top four teams in 1A facing the top four from 1B.

Previously the three highest-placed teams in 1A and the 1B winners earned semi-final spots.

A move by Westmeath and Carlow to have the top-tiers expanded to 14 teams overall was narrowly defeated.

A GAA statement said “The new arrangements will run for three years, concurrently with the changes pending for the championships, which also come into effect next year, allowing for a full review of the two main hurling competitions in 2016.”